Director at mental health center says patient safety is top concern

Director at mental health center says patient safety is top concern One of center's leaders accused of stealing patient money

ANDERSON - The day after one of his employees was accused of stealing money from a patient, the executive director of the Anderson-Oconee-Pickens Mental Health Center urged anyone with concerns about patients' safety to contact him.

Kevin Hoyle, the leader of the regional mental health center, said the center does regular audits and checks of medical records to ensure that patients are being cared for appropriately and compassionately. Each employee of the center must also pass a background check.

"The safety of our clients is something we take extremely seriously," Hoyle said Wednesday. "Our trust with our clients is paramount. We take great care to make sure there is a trusting relationship between us and each person we serve. I believe that exists. I still do."

Hoyle's second in command, Sheryl Smith, was arrested this week and charged with financially exploiting a patient at Patrick B. Harris Psychiatric Hospital in Anderson.

Smith has worked at the Anderson-Oconee-Pickens Mental Health Center for 15 years, working her way up to assistant director.

Tracy LaPointe, a spokeswoman for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, said Wednesday that Smith was "not on duty with the center" and was not being paid.

Both LaPointe and Hoyle said they could not elaborate on Smith's work status, and could not address whether she has been fired.

The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division brought the charge against Smith. According to the warrant for her arrest, Smith's alleged crime occurred last November.

SLED began investigating Smith after receiving a tip on the Vulnerable Adult Hotline in February of this year.

"The Department of Mental Health has directives in place on how to handle making complaints about abuse, neglect or exploitation," LaPointe said. "We also make clients aware of what their rights are and how to file complaints."

Each facility that is affiliated with the state Department of Mental Health also has posters on display to tell people about the hotline they can call if they suspect a patient is being abused. The toll-free number at SLED's Vulnerable Adult Hotline is 1-866-200-6066.

If Smith is convicted, she faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000. She could also be ordered to pay restitution.

Officials with SLED have not said how Smith gained access to money belonging to a patient at Harris hospital.

John Fletcher, the director of the psychiatric hospital, said Wednesday he could not discuss the safeguards the hospital has in place to protect its patients until he got clearance from the agency's legal team.

Hoyle said the arrest of Smith will not detract from the mission of the regional mental health center. Hoyle has worked with the state Department of Mental Health for more than two decades, and has worked at the regional mental health center since 2005.

"Nothing like this has ever happened in my tenure here," he said. "We have a committed staff and our clients' well-being continues to be our focus."